Thursday 8 May 2025 is 80 years since Victory in Europe (VE) Day, when the Second World War came to an end in Europe.
From Bank Holiday Monday (5 May), a week of celebrations and commemorations are happening across York, bringing people together to mark the day when peace returned to Europe, and to remember the many sacrifices made.
Whether you’re planning a street party, attending a local event or simply want to join in from home, this page has all the information you need.
In York, the City Bars and the City Walls will be lit in red, white and blue on the night of Monday 5 May until Thursday 8 May, as a mark of respect for the sacrifices made by so many, to preserve and protect our way of life.
VE Day 80 celebrations in York
Get more information for York, in relation to:
- VE Day events across York
- organising VE Day 80 street parties in York
- VE Day 80 celebration toolkit
- map of VE Day 80 events
- creative bunting competition
- our services over the bank holiday
VE Day events across York
A range of commemorative activities will be taking place in York throughout, including:
- 80th Anniversary VE Day Celebration Luncheon
- VE Day 80th Anniversary Concert at St Wilfrid’s Garrison Church
- York Army Museum Remembering Victory in Europe
- Explore York’s VE Day Archive Exhibition
- Historic reflections: end-of-war bells in York
Organising VE Day 80 street parties in York
Get guidance from GOV.UK if you're planning a street party or event to celebrate the jubilee.
To close a road for a free celebration you'll need to complete a temporary road closure form. You can apply for a free temporary street closure for events and street parties from Saturday 3 May through Thursday 8 May.
We've temporarily shortened the notice period for road closures for VE Day-related community events. Applications for must be submitted by Monday 30 April so we can process applications in time. From 9 May, we'll revert to our usual notice periods. Please note that although we've made these changes to support VE Day celebrations, we still recommend giving at least two weeks' notice to avoid disappointment.
Fees will only apply if you are charging for admission to your street party. For a small deposit, you can borrow a ‘Road Closed’ sign from our depot.
You'll only need a licence for your event if you are planning to sell alcohol.
VE Day 80 celebration toolkit
Find out how to get involved, and get support with arrangements for your community event; useful resources are available in the VE Day 80 toolkit to download and print, such as: bunting, recipes, and music playlist.
Map of VE Day 80 events
See the VE Day 80 events; search for information about local and national events, and find out how to add details of your own celebratory activities via the ve-vjday80.gov.uk website.
VE Day 80 is a moment to reflect on our shared history, honour the sacrifices made, and celebrate the peace we enjoy today.
We’ll continue updating this page as more events and activities are confirmed, so please check back regularly.
Creative bunting competition
As part of the 80th anniversary celebrations of VE Day, schools and young people across the country are being invited to take part in a creative competition to design bunting for 10 Downing Street.
The deadline is midnight on Wednesday, 23 April 2025.
Send your entries as attachments, email: vevjday80@dcms.gov.uk.
Our services over the bank holiday weekend
Remember, our customer services are open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm (with telephone lines open from 9.30am on Thursdays) excluding UK Bank Holidays; out of hours services operate as normal during bank holidays.
Waste and recycling collections will be carried out as normal and will not be affected by the bank holiday weekend, and our household waste recycling centres will also remain open as usual. If your household waste is collected by St. Nick's, check your arrangements directly with them.
